South Korean Vocational Schools Add 'AI' to 40% of New Department Names

South Korea's vocational high schools are rapidly embracing artificial intelligence, with nearly 40% of departments slated for curriculum reform in 2026 planning to include "AI" in their names. This surge in AI-focused departments, including "AI Mechanical Engineering," "AI Commerce," and "AI Beauty Tech," signifies a national effort to adapt education to the evolving industrial landscape. The trend has accelerated dramatically, with AI-related department names increasing from 11.6% in 2024 to 18.7% in 2025, and now reaching 38.5% for the upcoming reforms.

The integration of AI is not limited to traditional technical fields like mechanics and electronics. It is also expanding into business and finance with departments like "AI Fintech" and "AI Commerce," as well as into arts and culture with "AI Animation" and "AI Video Content." This widespread adoption underscores a national strategy to equip students with skills relevant to emerging technologies and industries.

In total, 82 specialized and Meister high schools were selected for the "2026 Vocational High School Restructuring Project." These schools will receive approximately 375 million won per class to develop new curricula, enhance teaching materials, train faculty, and upgrade equipment. The Ministry of Education aims to have about 75.9% of all vocational high schools operating under revised curricula by 2028, ensuring a future workforce prepared for the AI era.

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As the industrial structure changes, four out of ten departments in vocational high schools that are preparing to reform their department names and curricula starting this year are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their names.